Question:
Is it wrong to name names in preaching?
Answer:
There are some who are uncomfortable with the idea of a preacher using a specific denomination or false teacher’s name in exposing error. I have had people request that I not use denominational names in my lessons before. I have even heard it argued that Jesus would never have “called out” another denomination by name. May I kindly suggest that this belief is wrong and the opposite of the examples we find within the Scriptures.
Jesus and His apostles did specifically name the religious groups they often exposed. No, you will not find him naming Christian denominations. After all, such groups were not in existence until later. However, you do find Jesus naming and warning His disciples of the leading Jewish parties. In Matthew 16:11 Jesus says, “…beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” In Matthew 23:1, Jesus again warns of “the scribes and Pharisees” who “say and do not do.” In addition to these passages the New Testament contains references to other religious sects that had developed within the timeframe of the 1st century church. For example, Paul writes in Philippians 3:11, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!” In addition, both the church at Ephesus and Pergamos are warned of an evil group called the “Nicolaitans” in the letter to the seven churches in Asia (Revelation 2:6,15).
Beyond naming specific religious groups, Jesus and His apostles often named individuals! The church at Thyatira was warned of an evil woman called “Jezebel” who caused problems within the church (Revelation 2:20). Paul wrote to Timothy about “Alexander the coppersmith” who had done Paul “much harm” (2 Timothy 4:14). In the same letter, Paul warned of a pair of individuals, Hymenaeus and Philetus, who “strayed concerning the truth” and “overthrew the faith of some” (2 Timothy 2:17-18). Jesus Himself called Herod a “fox” (Luke 13:32). These examples prove that not only were entire groups exposed, but even individuals.
Clearly, the practice is Scriptural…however, the Scriptures also teach we should expose with proper attitudes. My goal in naming a group should not be to insert prejudice into my audience, to taunt other groups or to misrepresent their position through dishonesty. This was the unethical tactic of the Jews toward Jesus (Matthew 26:4, 59-60; 27:20, 42-44). In every case, the goal of godly men was to sincerely warn others and honestly correct error. In addition, we should not label without proof. Jesus and His apostles offered proof for why certain groups or people were to be exposed (see Matthew 23). Insults and labels without proof can be damaging, while the opposite can be constructive (2 Timothy 2:24-26). May we preach the truth candidly and straightforwardly, yet in sincere love of the truth (Ephesians 4:15). Exposing false teaching means exposing the source of the teaching so their “mouths” will “be stopped” (Titus 1:11).
March 2008